In the Quarter

One evening in May, 1888, the Café des Écoles was even more crowded and more noisy than usual. The marble-topped tables were wet with beer and the din was appalling. Someone shouted to make himself heard. "Any more news from the Salon?" "Yes," said Elliott, "Thaxton's in with a number three. Rhodes is out and takes it hard. Clifford's out too, and takes it - " A voice began to chant: Je n'sais comment faire, Comment concillier Ma maitresse et mon père, Le Code et Bullier. "Drop it! Oh, drop it!" growled Rhodes, and sent a handful of billiard chalk at the singer.